Carson, Kendal E.

'78 Bs in Business Administration

President, Cardinal Financial Corporation

Carson has enjoyed a thirty year career in banking. Prior to joining Cardinal in 2006, Carson served as president & CEO and Executive Vice President, Real Estate Lending for United Bank (and its predecessor George Mason Bank). He also worked at Nations Bank as Senior Vice President, Real Estate Lending, Loan Officer, Branch Manager and Management Trainee.

Carson said, “My Mason School of Business degree opened the doors to a banking career, which I have enjoyed my entire professional life. What surprised me the most about Mason was the commitment and seriousness of the students and the real world awareness/connection of the professors.”

Carson is currently a board member for the George Mason University Foundation and a trustee for the Virginia Bankers Association, School of Bank Management.

Carson’s advice to students and fellow alumni is, “Be ambitious and work hard, but always strive for a good balance between your work and personal life.”